Author Interview – James Shipman @jshipman_author

I am writing a civil war novel, “Going Home,” that is based on a true story. This title will be released in July, 2014.

Are you reading any interesting books at the moment?

Nathaniel Philbrick’s new title, “Bunker Hill.” A fascinating and detailed description of the events that lead up to Lexington and Concord.

What contributes to making a writer successful?

Hard work, research and daily consistency in writing and marketing is the key.

Do you have any advice for writers?

Do your research, get to know other writers and develop relationships with them. Work hard consistently day after day and don’t quit.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

I love creating works and I love having people read them and appreciate them.

When you wish to end your career, stop writing, and look back on your life, what thoughts would you like to have?

I want to know I worked hard at writing and wrote my entire life. And I hope that I will have imparted a little joy and interest in history to my readers.

In 1453 Constantinople is the impregnable jewel of the East. It has stood as the greatest Christian city for a millennium as hordes have crashed fruitlessly against its walls.

But Mehmet II, the youthful Sultan of the Ottoman Turks, has besieged the city. His opponent is Constantine XI, the wise and capable ruler of the crumbling Eastern Roman Empire. Mehmet, distrusted by his people and hated by his Grand Vizer, must accomplish what all those before him have failed to do: capture Constantinople. To prove that he deserves the throne that his father once took from him, Mehmet, against all advice, storms the city. If he fails, he will not only have failed himself and his people, but he will surely lose his life.

On the other side of the city walls, the emperor Constantine must find a way to stop the greatest army in the medieval world. To finance his defenses, he becomes a beggar to the Pope, the Italian city-states, and the Hungarians. But the price for aid is high: The Pope demands the Greeks reunite the Eastern and Western churches and accept the Latin faith. If Constantine wants aid for his people he must choose between their lives and their souls.

Two leaders, two peoples, two faiths battle for their future before the mighty walls of Constantinople.